More From Tom Smith

May 10, 2018 by Tom Smith (Utah)
Tom with his family

I’m a blessed follower of Christ and avid musician.  I’m kept in line by my better half, Gwen, and my three daughters Carly, Katie and Deanna.

As I re-read today's devotion, written last year, I chuckle to myself as I realize I’m just ‘plodding along’ right now.  

I’ve been fortunate to experience ‘soaring’ for a while, a sweet bit of running, but recently obstacles and life’s challenges feel like the wind is blowing right in my face and it has slowed me to a plod.  

My friends, I guess my message to you is that even in plodding, God’s love tucks blessings in our lives.  Don’t miss them for the pitfalls.  Go to God in prayer often, thanking Him for the small pleasures and praying for strength through the challenges that make you plod.  Despite our plodding, we need to look for those around us that are struggling in their own personal challenges.  I’m meeting one-on-one with five other plodders right now.   Two are struggling hard in their marriages, one is struggling with bitterness from a church situation, one is dealing with health issues and one friend has just lost their job. 

Look at your circle of influence because with a bit of prayerful observation, God will point out the plodders you need to come alongside.  Truly friends, they are right in front of your nose!  You just might not have noticed because you are well, just managing to ‘plod along’ yourself.  Buy them a cup of coffee, go for breakfast, have them over for lunch or invite them for a game of racquetball at your gym.  It doesn’t matter.  Just look for an opportunity to connect in a simple way, listen (without trying to fix anything!) and then pray.

There is nothing more beautiful than a plodder with God’s heart helping a fellow plodder to break into a run and then soar!

Love Tom


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The Upper Room magazine's mission is to provide a practical way to listen to scripture, connect with believers around the world, and spend time with God each day.

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